Pastor's Perspective - A Snake is a Snake

Dear FCC Family & Friends,

“It still gives me the creeps to think that son-of-a-gun could do that.” These are the words of Danny Anderson, 53, of Prosser, Washington, who recently learned a painful lesson – beheaded rattlesnakes can be dangerous!

According to msnbc.com, Anderson cut the head off of a 5-foot rattler and left it under his pickup. According to Anderson, “When I reached down to pick up the head, it raised around and did a backflip almost, and bit my finger. I had to shake my hand real hard to get it to let loose.”

The venom caused immediate swelling of the tongue as it circulated throughout his body. Fortunately Anderson received quick and efficient medical treatment and will make a full recovery. According to Mike Livingstone, a wildlife biologist, he has never heard of anyone being bit by a decapitated snake before.

This nasty, yet news-worthy incident reminded me of the time a young Judean shepherd cut the head off a giant in the Elah Valley. Not only did faithful David utterly defeat his foe with God’s mighty power, he took that necessary unpleasant step to ensure Goliath never got up and fought again.

I believe that these stories are good reminders that the enemy doesn’t give up easily. Though the devil was crushed (Genesis 3:15) and humiliated at Calvary and the tomb, he is still striking with fatal resolve. Sadly, once we taste victory in Christ, we either fail to aggressively cut his head off in our lives; or sometimes just as deadly, fall into the trap of foolishly thinking that he has just given up and won’t strike again.

To live the abundant life Christ died to give us, we must take the necessary steps to safeguard our new redeemed lives. Though crushed, the devil is still striking. Though fatally wounded, he is luring the world into thinking he is benign. Though his eternal fate is documented, there’s still a lot of fight in him.

Friends, let me remind you that greater is He that is in you (Holy Spirit) than he that is in the world (devil). But let me also remind you, a snake is a snake! Be careful out there.

This Sunday I will be sharing a message entitled ‘Get Up!’ from John 5. Come worship the living Lord with us during an unforgettable morning!

In the Fight,

Steve